“The Lords Provost’s Office hold patronage to the club and are on the letter head. We’ve had great support from the likes of Susan Baird, Liz Cameron, Sadie Docherty and even from critics of boxing like Michael Kelly.

“They all had their own thoughts on the matter but never once did they let that detract from appreciating the good the club does.

“We have raised almost £1m for charities and our club has always had a social side.”

The reputation of the fight game being a school for the harder elements of sport has been shattered by the standards set by Gilmour at the St Andrews under his watch.

He said: “I’ve always felt I’ve led a privileged upbringing, I’ve met world greats through the ages and they’ve never impressed me. I’ve met some interesting characters and travelled the world but I’ve also had a good grounding and always believed we are all Jock Tamson’s Bairns.

“Some of the charity work we’ve done have given me a bigger buzz than a world title fight. We built a sensory room for a school in Blantyre and that was one of the greatest occasions.

“We went there and the kids who were autistic had made cakes for us, it was heartbreaking but what a feel-good factor we had.”

Gilmour said: “After the big draws in the 60s – like Chic Calderwood and Cowboy McCormack– the sport hit a slump. The St Andrews nights arrived on a Monday night and changed everything.

“Monday was the night the pubs did little business and restaurants lay with their throats cut. Monday night’s have been maintained and why change? Maybe Colin and Iain will change it but that’s the decision for the future.”

Gilmour has never been one to pull his punches and bowed out in typical fashion. He said: “I’ve had hoot and it’s taken a toll but would I swap it? Not on your life.”